WITH the cost of construction materials going through the roof in China, Cenxi county in Guangxi province is planning to exploit its 2.1-billion-cubic metre reserves of red granite.
''Less than 0.1 per cent of our granite mines - or 1.2 million cubic metres of granite - has been extracted. We still have a huge reserve. So we do not mind lowering the price in order to attract more business,'' said Chen Chuxun, the county's party secretary.
Cenxi's little-known red granite mines were uncovered in 1985 and first excavated in 1990. Despite facing many difficulties, county leaders are determined to promote the industry.
Mr Chen said Cenxi was giving priority to the approval of foreign ventures for granite excavation, including a speeding-up of red tape and tax cuts.
However, the industry is still in its infancy. Lack of technology, development funds and sophisticated transport networks are the major barriers.
Cenxi is 94 kilometres north of Wuzhou port, one of the biggest shipping ports in Guangxi province. It takes three hours to transport the granite by lorry.